After a long, hot summer, you may find yourself ready for a season full of fall festivities.

Although the temperature may still be toasty in San Diego during the autumn months, you can still get in the spirit of the season by engaging in activities like visiting an apple orchard or pumpkin patch… and if you’re willing to drive an hour or two, you might even find a bit of a chill in the air.

Of course, you can also take advantage of the gorgeous summer-like weather and lack of tourists to make up for lost time at the beaches or take part in one of the many special events that just happen to take place during autumn in San Diego.

The opportunities to enjoy Fall in our great city are practically limitless! Here’s a few to get things started for ya:

1. Pick Out a Pumpkin at Bates Nut Farm

A San Diego autumn tradition for decades, Bates Nut Farm is worth the drive to Valley Center if you’re looking to get into the autumn spirit.

The expansive farm features acres of pumpkin patches open daily during the season as well of lots of family-friendly activities and food trucks on the weekends only. Plus, there’s the charming and quaint country store where you can stock up on homemade goods.

Just be aware that the farm can get busy on the weekends and the two-lane roads have a tendency to back up. Plan to get there as close to opening as possible on weekends to avoid the back up and be prepared for the $5 parking fee on weekends only.

Admission to the farm is free but pumpkins and some activities will cost you. The pumpkin patch opens September 23rd and continues through Halloween.

2. Go Apple Picking in Julian

Pie may be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Julian, but their famous desserts wouldn’t exist without their plentiful apple crop.

There are several apple farms in the mountain town that offer u-pick bags for a set price. Stock up on a variety of apples and head home to bake your own version of pie, cobbler and other sweet treats.

Of course, you’ll want to grab a slice of pie for inspiration before you head back to San Diego. It’s practically unheard of to leave Julian without sampling the goods.

3. Enjoy Less Crowded Beach Days

The weather is just as beautiful in the autumn, if not more so without that pesky June Gloom hanging around, and locals know that this is the time to flock to San Diego’s gorgeous beaches.

The tourists have finally returned home and it’s suddenly much easier to find a parking spot near the water and a spot on the beach to lay out your towel and soak up some rays.

Plus, the water temperature is quite comfortable this time of the year so be sure to go for a dip while you still can!

4. See Leopard Sharks in La Jolla

The calm, shallow waters off the La Jolla Shores attract hundreds of leopard sharks from August through October.

While the sharks can grow to six feet in length, they are harmless to humans and no attacks have been reported. In fact, leopard sharks are likely more afraid of you than you are of them!

Want to get a close up look at these marine creatures? You can wade into the shallow water, snorkel or kayak, depending on your comfort level.

5. Be Amazed at the Miramar Air Show

Like clockwork, San Diegans can expect the skies to be buzzing with the sounds of aircraft each fall as the annual Miramar Air Show takes place.

This year’s event takes off on September 22nd for three consecutive days of impressive aerial acrobatics featuring the incredible Blue Angels, among others.

General admission with “bring-your-own-seats” is free, or you can pay for preferred seating.

6. Try Something New During San Diego Restaurant Week

Take advantage of this twice-a-year event to dine at some of San Diego’s best restaurants at a discounted price.

Each restaurant offers prix fixe menu’s featuring two or three courses for lunch and dinner at set prices ranging from $10 to $50. With over 180 restaurants, there’s more than likely something for everyone!

This year’s fall Restaurant Week takes place from September 24th to October 1st.

If something catches your eye, be sure to make reservations as soon as possible as some of the hotter spots have filled up in the past.

7. Celebrate Oktoberfest

Given the number of Oktoberfest festivities throughout the county, it seems that San Diegans really love this German tradition.

Check out the largest festival (west of the Mississippi!) in La Mesa from September 29th to October 1st or visit one of the other, smaller neighborhood events, like El Cajon (September 29th to October 1st and October 6th to October 8th), Encinitas (October 1st) and Ocean Beach (October 6th to October 7th).

Try some Bavarian cuisine, like bratwurst and schnitzel, down a few steins full of beer and get ready for a good time!

These are just a few of the reasons why San Diego is such an amazing place to live in the fall. What’s your favorite autumn activity in our beautiful city? Fill us in, below!